Connector assemblies and associated methods

ABSTRACT

Connector assemblies including a first subassembly having a recessed portion and a pair of locator tracks and a second subassembly having a pair of locator projections, vacuum assemblies including these connector assemblies, and methods of using the same are provided herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority to,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/774,658 entitled “CONNECTORASSEMBLIES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS” and filed on Jan. 28, 2020, which isa continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/582,589 entitled “CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS”and filed on Sep. 25, 2019, which claims the benefit of priority under35 U.S.C. § 119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/736,278 entitled “CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS,” filedon Sep. 25, 2018, the disclosures of all of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure generally relates to a connector assembly and methods ofusing the same.

BACKGROUND

Connector assemblies, particularly those used to attach vacuum hoses tovacuum housings, or vacuum attachments to vacuum hoses, often useseveral latch or other attachment assemblies. However, these connectorassemblies are often either capable of securely connecting several partsbut difficult to attach and release, or easy to attach and release butprone to detach unintentionally. Accordingly, there is a need forimproved connector assemblies.

SUMMARY

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, a connectorassembly is provided. The connector assembly includes a firstsubassembly. The first subassembly includes a connector plate includinga recessed portion. The first subassembly includes a first magneticelement disposed in the recessed portion. The first subassembly includesa pair of locator tracks disposed in the recessed portion. Each locatortrack of the pair of locator tracks includes a first end adjacent anouter surface of the connector plate and a second end opposite the firstend. The connector assembly includes a second subassembly. The secondsubassembly includes a tubular body including an inner surface and anouter surface. Two locator projections extend from the outer surface ofa proximal end of the tubular body. The two locator projections areselectively slidable along the locator tracks between the first end andthe second end of the locator tracks. When the two locator projectionsare positioned at the second end of the locator tracks, the tubular bodyis rotatable, about an axis extending between the two locatorprojections, from a first position to a second position. A secondmagnetic element is disposed at the proximal end of the tubular body.The second magnetic element is configured to magnetically couple to thefirst magnetic element when the tubular body is in the second position.When the tubular body is in the second position and an axial load isapplied to the tubular body in a direction extending from the proximalend toward a distal end of the tubular body, the locator projections arepositioned at the second end of the locators tracks such that a loadvector associated with the axial load does not extend through the axisof rotation of the tubular body, such that the axial load does not causethe tubular body to move from the second position to the first position.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure a method forconnecting a connector assembly is provided. The method includesproviding a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a firstsubassembly. The first subassembly includes a connector plate includinga recessed portion. A first magnetic element disposed in the recessedportion. A pair of locator tracks is disposed in the recessed portion.Each locator track of the pair of locator tracks includes a first endadjacent an outer surface of the connector plate and a second endopposite the first end. The connector assembly includes a secondsubassembly. The second subassembly includes a tubular body including aninner surface and an outer surface. Two locator projections extend fromthe outer surface of a proximal end of the tubular body. The two locatorprojections are selectively slidable along the locator tracks betweenthe first end and the second end of the locator tracks. When the twolocator projections are positioned at the second end of the locatortracks, the tubular body is rotatable, about an axis extending betweenthe two locator projections, from a first position to a second position.A second magnetic element is disposed at the proximal end of the tubularbody. The second magnetic element is configured to magnetically coupleto the first magnetic element when the tubular body is in the secondposition. When the tubular body is in the second position and an axialload is applied to the tubular body in a direction extending from theproximal end toward a distal end of the tubular body, the locatorprojections are positioned at the second end of the locators tracks suchthat a load vector associated with the axial load does not extendthrough the axis of rotation of the tubular body, such that the axialload does not cause the tubular body to move from the second position tothe first position. The method includes positioning the two locatorprojections at the first end of the two locator tracks. The methodincludes rotating the tubular body about the axis from the firstposition to the second position to slide the two locator projectionsalong the two locator tracks from the first ends to the second ends forreleasably connecting the first subassembly and the second subassembly.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure a vacuum assemblyis provided. The vacuum assembly includes a vacuum housing including aninlet and an outlet. The vacuum assembly includes a first subassemblysubstantially surrounding the inlet. The first assembly includes aconnector plate including a recessed portion. A first magnetic elementis disposed in the recessed portion. A pair of locator tracks isdisposed in the recessed portion. Each locator track of the pair oflocator tracks includes a first end adjacent an outer surface of theconnector plate and a second end opposite the first end. The vacuumassembly includes a second subassembly. The second subassembly includesa tubular body including an inner surface and an outer surface. Twolocator projections extend from the outer surface of a proximal end ofthe tubular body. The two locator projections are selectively slidablealong the locator tracks between the first end and the second end of thelocator tracks. When the two locator projections are positioned at thesecond end of the locator tracks, the tubular body is rotatable, aboutan axis extending between the two locator projections, from a firstposition to a second position. A second magnetic element is disposed atthe proximal end of the tubular body. The second magnetic element isconfigured to magnetically couple to the first magnetic element when thetubular body is in the second position. When the tubular body is in thesecond position and an axial load is applied to the tubular body in adirection extending from the proximal end toward a distal end of thetubular body, the locator projections are positioned at the second endof the locators tracks such that a load vector associated with the axialload does not extend through the axis of rotation of the tubular body,such that the axial load does not cause the tubular body to move fromthe second position to the first position.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure a subassembly forconnecting a hose to a vacuum assembly is provided. The subassemblyincludes a tubular body having an inner surface and an outer surface.Two locator projections extend from the outer surface of a proximal endof the tubular body. The two locator projections are configured to beselectively slidable along locator tracks of the vacuum assembly betweena first end and a second end of the locator tracks. When the two locatorprojections are positioned at the second end of the locator tracks, thetubular body is rotatable, about an axis extending between the twolocator projections, from a first position to a second position. A firstmagnetic element is disposed at the proximal end of the tubular body.The first magnetic element is configured to magnetically couple to asecond magnetic element of the vacuum assembly when the tubular body isin the second position. When the tubular body is in the second positionand an axial load is applied to the tubular body in a directionextending from the proximal end toward a distal end of the tubular body,the two locator projections are positioned at the second end of thelocators tracks such that a load vector associated with the axial loaddoes not extend through the axis of rotation of the tubular body, suchthat the axial load does not cause the tubular body to move from thesecond position to the first position.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure a subassembly forconnecting a hose to a vacuum assembly is provided. The subassemblyincludes a tubular body. At least one locator projection extends fromthe tubular body. The at least one locator projection is configured tobe selectively slidable along at least one locator track of the vacuumassembly between a first end and a second end of the at least onelocator track. When the at least one projection is positioned at thesecond end of the at least one locator track, the tubular body isrotatable, about an axis extending through the at least one locatorprojection and perpendicular to a vertical axis of the vacuum assembly,from a first position to a second position. A first retention means isdisposed at the proximal end of the tubular body. The first retentionmeans is configured to releasably couple with a second retention meansof the vacuum assembly when the tubular body is in the second position.When the tubular body is in the second position and an axial load isapplied to the tubular body in a direction extending from the proximalend toward a distal end of the tubular body, the at least one locatorprojection is positioned at the second end of the at least one locatortrack such that a load vector associated with the axial load does notextend through the axis of rotation of the tubular body, such that theaxial load does not cause the tubular body to move from the secondposition to the first position.

According to certain implementations of the present disclosure thesubassembly further includes a first electrical element disposed on theouter surface of the tubular body at the proximal end of the tubularbody. The first electrical element is configured to electrically couplewith a second electrical element of the vacuum assembly when the tubularbody is in the second position.

According to certain implementations of the present disclosure the firstretention means is a first magnetic element and the second retentionmeans is a second magnetic element.

According to certain implementations of the present disclosure the firstretention means is a latch detent and the second retention means is alatch socket.

According to certain implementations of the present disclosure the firstretention means comprises a first magnetic element and a latch detent,and the second retention means comprises a second magnetic element and alatch socket.

According to certain implementations of the present disclosure the atleast one locator projection is spherical.

According to certain implementations of the present disclosure the atleast one locator projection includes an arcuate contour including aconcave surface and an oppositely facing convex surface.

According to certain implementations of the present disclosure the atleast one locator projection includes a first locator projection and asecond locator projection.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure a methodconfiguring a vacuum assembly for a hose connection is provided. Themethod includes providing a first subassembly including a tubular body.At least one locator projection extends from the tubular body. The atleast one locator projection is configured to be selectively slidablealong at least one locator track of a second subassembly disposed on thevacuum assembly between a first end and a second end of the at least onelocator track. A first retention means is disposed at the proximal endof the tubular body. The first retention means is configured toreleasably couple with a second retention means of the secondsubassembly of the vacuum assembly. The method includes providing asecond subassembly including a connector plate including a recessedportion. The second retention means is disposed in the recessed portion.The at least one locator track is disposed in the recessed portion. Thefirst end of the at least one locator track is adjacent an outer surfaceof the connector plate and the second end of the at least one locatortrack is opposite the first end. The method includes positioning the atleast one projection, in a first position, at the first end of the atleast one locator track. The method includes rotating the tubular body,from the first position to a second position, about an axis extendingthrough the at least one locator projection and perpendicular to avertical axis of the vacuum assembly, such that the at least oneprojection is positioned at the second end of the at least one locatortrack, wherein, when the tubular body is in the second position and anaxial load is applied to the tubular body in a direction extending fromthe proximal end toward a distal end of the tubular body, the at leastone locator projection is positioned at the second end of the at leastone locator track such that a load vector associated with the axial loaddoes not extend through the axis of rotation of the tubular body, suchthat the axial load does not cause the tubular body to move from thesecond position to the first position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum including an embodiment of aconnector assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first subassembly of an embodiment ofa connector assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second subassembly of an embodiment ofa connector assembly.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector assembly ina first position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a connector assembly ina second position.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of FIG. 4 ,taken along the line A-A.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the connector assembly of FIG. 5 ,taken along the line B-B.

FIG. 8 is a partial view of the cross-section of FIG. 7 , showing theaxis of rotation and load vector.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative connector assembly in afirst position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the connector assembly of FIG. 9 in asecond position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Connector assemblies including a first subassembly and a secondsubassembly, vacuums including these connector assemblies, and methodsof using the same are provided herein.

In some embodiments, connector assemblies are provided including a firstsubassembly and a second subassembly. In some embodiments, the firstsubassembly includes a connector plate having a recessed portion, therecessed portion having a first magnetic element and a pair of locatortracks extending from a first end adjacent an outer surface of theconnector plate to a second end opposite the first end. In someembodiments, the second subassembly includes a tubular body having aninner surface and an outer surface and two locator projections extendingfrom the outer surface of a proximal end of the tubular body andselectively slidable along the locator tracks between the first end andthe second end of the locator tracks, wherein, when the two locatorprojections are positioned at the second end of the locator tracks, thetubular body is rotatable about an axis extending between the twolocator projections, from a first position to a second position; and asecond magnetic element associated with the outer surface of the tubularbody at the proximal end of the tubular body, opposite the two locatorprojections, and configured to magnetically couple to the first magneticelement when the tubular body is in the second position, wherein, whenthe tubular body is in the second position and an axial load is appliedto the tubular body in a direction extending from the proximal endtoward a distal end of the tubular body, the locator projections arepositioned at the second end of the locator tracks such that a loadvector associated with the axial load does not extend through the axisof rotation of the tubular body, such that the axial load does not causethe tubular body to move from the second position to the first position.

The locator tracks and corresponding locator projections advantageouslyallow a user to easily align the first subassembly and the secondsubassembly to couple the first and second magnetic elements together.For example, the two locator tracks and locator projections allow a userto connect the first and second subassemblies without having to rotatethe tubular body of the second subassembly in an attempt to manuallyalign the magnetic and electrical elements.

Further, in embodiments in which the locator projections are positionedsuch that a load vector associated with the axial load does not extendthrough the axis of rotation of the tubular body, the first subassemblyand second subassembly can be more securely connected. Specifically, auser can apply an axial load to the tubular body, such as a user mightapply when pulling on a vacuum hose attached to the tubular body,without causing the first subassembly to inadvertently detach from thesecond subassembly.

In some embodiments, each of the locator tracks has a width at its firstend which is wider than the width at its second end. For example, insome embodiments, each of the locator tracks has a width at its firstend which is twice the width at its second end. In these embodiments, auser need only align the locator projections with a part of the widerfirst end of the locator tracks, and the locator tracks guide the secondsubassembly into place, as the locator projections will follow thelocator tracks as they narrow. In some embodiments, the recessed portionof the first subassembly further includes a first electrical element andthe second subassembly further includes a second electrical elementassociated with the outer surface of the tubular body at or near theproximal end of the tubular body, opposite the two locator projections,and configured to electrically couple to the first electrical elementwhen the tubular body is in the second position. For example, in someembodiments, the second electrical element may be coupled to a surfaceadjacent to the tubular body, or to a separate component coupled to thetubular body.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic element and the second magneticelement also guide the second subassembly into the appropriate position,to couple the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element andto couple the first electrical element and the second electricalelement. For example, in some embodiments, when the tubular body isbeing rotated from the first position toward the second position, thestrength of the first magnetic element and the second magnetic elementpull the proximal end of the tubular body toward the first subassembly,leading the first subassembly and the second subassembly to “snap” intoplace. In these embodiments, the magnetic coupling of the first andsecond magnetic elements provides a user with tactile and audiblefeedback, confirming to a user that the first subassembly and the secondsubassembly have been connected to one another.

In some embodiments, when the second subassembly is in the secondposition, the first electrical element and the second electrical elementare coupled together and configured to provide power to a motorizedattachment. In some embodiments, the motorized attachment is a vacuumcleaner which is operatively connected to the first subassembly. In someembodiments, the motorized attachment is a motorized vacuum attachmentwhich is operatively connected to the proximal end of the tubular body.For example, in some embodiments, the motorized vacuum attachment is anupholstery cleaning tool. In some embodiments, a vacuum attachment isoperatively connected to the proximal end of the tubular body. In someembodiments, the vacuum attachment is a Rainbow® Power Nozzleattachment, a Rainbow® AquaMate® attachment, a Rainbow® RainJet®attachment, a Rainbow® RainbowMate® attachment, a Rainbow® MiniJet®attachment, a Rainbow® JetPad™ attachment, a floor or wall brush, adusting brush, an upholstery tool, a crevice tool, or the like.

In some embodiments, the connector assembly further includes a coverportion attached to the recessed portion, in which the cover portion isconfigured to be selectively movable between a closed position, in whichit covers the first magnetic element and the first electrical elementand an open position, wherein the first magnetic element and the firstelectrical element are exposed. For example, in some embodiments, thecover portion is hingedly attached to the recessed portion of the firstsubassembly. In some embodiments, the cover portion includes a camsurface, wherein the cover portion is configured to be movable betweenthe closed position and the open position by rotation of the tubularbody from the first position to the second position. In this way, thefirst electrical element and the first magnetic element are covered whennot in use, but can be uncovered without any additional action by theuser. That is, the cover can be moved from a closed position to an openposition merely by rotating the tubular body from the first position tothe second position.

In some embodiments, the second subassembly further includes a latchextending from the outer surface of the tubular body at the distal endof the tubular body opposite the locator projections. In someembodiments, the latch comprises a detent means at the proximal end ofthe tubular body and a release means at the distal end of the tubularbody, the first assembly further comprises a latch socket disposedwithin the recessed portion, such that when the tubular body is rotatedfrom the first position to the second position, the latch is securedwithin the latch socket, thereby releasably connecting the firstsubassembly and the second subassembly. In these embodiments, the secondsubassembly can be detached from the first subassembly when a usergrasps the distal end of the tubular body and thereby grasps the releasemeans of the latch. In particular, in these embodiments, a user caneasily detach the second subassembly from the first subassembly simplyby grasping the distal end of the tubular body including the releaselatch and rotating the tubular body from the second position to thefirst position. For example, in some embodiments, the latch may becoupled to a surface adjacent to the tubular body, or to a separatecomponent coupled to the tubular body.

In some embodiments, the two locator projections are spherical. In someembodiments, the two locator tracks are partially cylindrical orconical.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second magnetic elements is amagnet. In some embodiments, one of the first and second magneticelements comprises a ferromagnetic material and one of the first andsecond magnetic elements comprises a magnet. For example, in someembodiments, the magnet comprises neodymium, iron, boron, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the magnet is a printedmagnet or a poly magnet.

In some embodiments, the first subassembly is disposed on the outersurface of a vacuum housing. For example, in some embodiments, the firstsubassembly is disposed on the outer surface of a canister vacuum. Insome embodiments, the first subassembly is disposed on the outer surfaceof an upright vacuum. In some embodiments, the first subassembly isdisposed on the outer surface of a vacuum cleaner as described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,361,587, entitled “Vacuum Cleaner,” the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In someembodiments, the first subassembly is disposed on the outer surface of avacuum cleaner as described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,102,353, entitled “VacuumCleaner,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. In some embodiments, the distal end of thetubular body is operatively connected to a vacuum hose. For example, insome embodiments, the first subassembly is disposed on the outer surfaceof a vacuum housing, and the distal end of the tubular body isoperatively connected to a vacuum house. In some embodiments, vacuumassemblies are provided including a vacuum housing having an inlet andan outlet and any of the connector assemblies described above, whereinthe first subassembly substantially surrounds the inlet.

In some embodiments, methods of connecting the connector assembliesdescribed above are provided. In some embodiments, the methods includemoving the two locator projections from the first end of the two locatortracks to the second end of the two locator tracks, and rotating thetubular body about the axis from the first position to the secondposition, thereby releasably connecting the first subassembly and thesecond subassembly.

ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a vacuum assembly 100, having a vacuum housing 101 with anouter surface 107, an inlet 103, an outlet 105, and a connector assembly110. A first subassembly 111 is attached to the outer surface 107 of thevacuum assembly 100, and the second subassembly 113 is connected to thefirst subassembly 111. A vacuum hose 109 is attached to the secondsubassembly 113.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the first subassembly 111 including aconnector plate 115 having a recessed portion 117, the recessed portion117 having a first magnetic element 119 and a pair of locator tracks 121a, 121 b extending from a first end 123 a, 123 b adjacent an outersurface 125 of the connector plate 115 to a second end 127 a, 127 bopposite the first end 123 a, 123 b. The first subassembly includes acover portion 131, shown in an open position, having a first cam surface133. The first subassembly 111 includes a first magnetic element 119 anda first electrical element 129, and a latch socket 152.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the second subassembly 113 includinga tubular body 135 having an outer surface 137 and an inner surface 139,a proximal end 145, and a distal end 147. Two locator projections 141 a,141 b extend from the outer surface 137 at the proximal end 145. The twolocator projections 141 a, 141 b are selectively slidable along thelocator tracks 121 a, 121 b, respectively. The second subassembly 113further includes a second magnetic element 143 and a second electricalelement 149. The second subassembly 113 further includes a latch 151having a detent means 153 at the proximal end 145 and a release means157 near the distal end 147.

FIGS. 4 and 6 show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view,respectively, of the connector assembly 110 with the tubular body 135 ina first position, where the two locator projections are at the secondend 127 a, 127 b of the locator tracks 121 a, 121 b. In this firstposition, the cover portion 131 is closed, such that the first magneticelement 119 is separated from the second magnetic element 143, the firstelectrical element 129 is separated from the second electrical element149, and the latch detent means 153 is separated from the latch socket152. As can be seen from FIG. 6 , in the first position, a portion ofthe proximal end 145 of the tubular body 135 contacts the cam surface133.

FIGS. 5 and 7 show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view,respectively, of the connector assembly 110 with the tubular body 135 ina second position, where the two locator projections are at the secondend 127 a, 127 b of the locator tracks 121 a, 121 b and the coverportion 131 is in an open position. In this second position, the firstmagnetic element 119 is coupled to the second magnetic element 143, thefirst electrical element 129 is coupled to the second electrical element149, and the latch detent means 153 is disposed in the latch socket 152.In certain implementations, the connector assembly 110 includes only thefirst magnetic element 119 and the second magnetic element 143, only thelatch detent means 153 and the latch socket 152, or all of the firstmagnetic element 119, the second magnetic element 143, the latch detentmeans 153, and the latch socket 152 for retaining the second subassembly113 to the first subassembly 111.

FIG. 8 is a partial view of the connector assembly 110 of FIG. 7 ,showing the axis of rotation AR when the tubular body 135 is rotatedfrom the first position to the second position, and an axial load vectorLV. As can be seen from this figure, the load vector LV advantageouslypasses through the tubular body below the rotation axis AR. As a result,applying this load LP to the tubular body 135 merely serves tostrengthen the attachment between the first subassembly 111 and thesecond subassembly 113, rather than to cause the tubular body 135 tomove from the second position to the first position. Specifically,applying this load LP to the tubular body 135 forces the second magneticelement 143 toward the first magnetic element 119 and the secondelectrical element 149 toward the first electrical element 129.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an alternative connector assembly 910 that issimilar in structure to the connector assembly 110 such that similarparts are denoted by like reference numerals and the above descriptionsare relied upon to describe them. Instead of including the pair oflocator tracks 121 a, 121 b illustrated in FIG. 2 , the firstsubassembly 111 includes a locator track 920 disposed in the recessedportion 117 of the first subassembly 111. The locator track 920 isoffset inwardly from the outer surface 125 of the connector plate 115.In certain implementations, the locator track 920 includes a contourconfigured to receive a locator projection 924 of the second subassembly113. In certain implementations, the locator track 920 is centrallyaligned with respect to the cover portion 131.

The second subassembly 113 includes the locator projection 924 insteadof the two locator projections 141 a, 141 b illustrated in FIG. 3 . Thelocator projection 924 extends from the outer surface 137 at theproximal end 145 of the second subassembly 113. In certainimplementations, the locator projection 924 is centrally aligned withrespect to a width 926 of the proximal end 145. In certainimplementations, the locator projection 924 includes an arcuate contourincluding a concave surface 928 and an oppositely facing convex surface930. The locator projection 924 is selectively slidable along thelocator track 920. In certain implementations, the concave surface 928selectively slidable along the locator track 920.

As depicted in FIG. 9 , prior to being set in the first position, thelocator projection 924 can be aligned to interface with the locatortrack 920. After being set in the first position, the second subassembly113 is rotated from the first position to the second position, asillustrated in FIG. 10 . In this second position, the first magneticelement 119 (not shown) is coupled to the second magnetic element 143(not shown) such that the locator projection 924 is positioned incontact with the locator track 920 and the latch detent means 153 (notshown) of the second subassembly 113 is secured in the latch socket 152(not shown) of the first subassembly 111.

In certain implementations, instead of including an arcuate contour asillustrated in FIG. 9 , the locator projection 924 can include aspherical contour similar to the locator projection 141 b illustrated inFIG. 3 while the locator track 920 can include a partially cylindricalor conical contour for receiving the spherical contour of the locatorprojection 924.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to a number ofembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that theinvention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, theinvention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations,alterations, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not describedherein, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of theinvention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention havebeen described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention mayinclude only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, butis only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector assembly comprising: a firstsubassembly comprising: a connector plate having a recessed portion; anda pair of locator tracks disposed in the recessed portion, each locatortrack of the pair of locator tracks comprising a first end adjacent anouter surface of the connector plate and a second end opposite the firstend; and a second subassembly comprising: a tubular body having an innersurface and an outer surface; and two locator projections extending fromthe outer surface of a proximal end of the tubular body, the two locatorprojections selectively slidable along the locator tracks between thefirst end and the second end of the locator tracks, wherein, when thetwo locator projections are positioned at the second end of the locatortracks, the tubular body is rotatable, about an axis of rotation locatednear a peripheral edge of the proximal end of the tubular body andextending between and passing through each of the two locatorprojections such that the proximal end of the tubular body pivots aboutthe axis of rotation from a first position to a second position,wherein, when the tubular body is in the second position and an axialload is applied to the tubular body in a direction extending from theproximal end toward a distal end of the tubular body, the locatorprojections are positioned at the second end of the locators tracks suchthat a load vector associated with the axial load does not extendthrough the axis of rotation of the tubular body, such that the axialload does not cause the tubular body to move from the second position tothe first position.
 2. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein eachof the locator tracks has a width at its first end which is wider than awidth at its second end.
 3. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein:the recessed portion of the first subassembly further comprises a firstelectrical element, and the second subassembly further comprises asecond electrical element disposed at the proximal end of the tubularbody, the second electrical element configured to electrically couple tothe first electrical element when the tubular body is in the secondposition.
 4. The connector assembly of claim 3, wherein the firstsubassembly further comprises: a cover portion attached to the recessedportion, wherein the cover portion is configured to be selectivelymovable between a closed position, wherein it covers the firstelectrical element, and an open position, wherein the first electricalelement is exposed.
 5. The connector assembly of claim 4, wherein thecover portion further comprises a cam surface, and wherein the coverportion is configured to be moveable between the closed position and theopen position by rotation of the tubular body from the first position tothe second position.
 6. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein thesecond subassembly further comprises a latch extending from the outersurface of the tubular body at the distal end of the tubular bodyopposite the two locator projections, wherein the latch comprises adetent means at the proximal end of the tubular body and a release meansat the distal end of the tubular body, wherein the first assemblyfurther comprises a latch socket disposed within the recessed portion,and wherein, when the tubular body is rotated from the first position tothe second position, the latch is secured within the latch socket,thereby releasably connecting the first subassembly and the secondsubassembly.
 7. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein each of thetwo locator projections is spherical.
 8. The connector assembly of claim1, wherein the first subassembly is disposed on the outer surface of avacuum housing, and the distal end of the tubular body is operativelyconnected to a vacuum hose.
 9. A vacuum assembly comprising: a vacuumhousing having an inlet and an outlet; a first subassembly substantiallysurrounding the inlet, the first subassembly comprising: a connectorplate having a recessed portion; and a pair of locator tracks disposedin the recessed portion, each locator track of the pair of locatortracks comprising a first end adjacent an outer surface of the connectorplate and a second end opposite the first end; and a second subassemblycomprising: a tubular body having an inner surface and an outer surface;and two locator projections extending from the outer surface of aproximal end of the tubular body, and the two locator projectionsselectively slidable along the locator tracks between the first end andthe second end of the locator tracks, wherein, when the two locatorprojections are positioned at the second end of the locator tracks, thetubular body is rotatable, about an axis of rotation located near aperipheral edge of the proximal end of the tubular body and extendingbetween and passing through each of the two locator projections suchthat the proximal end of the tubular body pivots about the axis ofrotation from a first position to a second position, wherein, when thetubular body is in the second position and an axial load is applied tothe tubular body in a direction extending from the proximal end toward adistal end of the tubular body, the locator projections are positionedat the second end of the locators tracks such that a load vectorassociated with the axial load does not extend through the axis ofrotation of the tubular body, such that the axial load does not causethe tubular body to move from the second position to the first position.10. A subassembly for connecting a hose to a vacuum assembly, thesubassembly comprising: a tubular body having an inner surface and anouter surface; two locator projections extending from the outer surfaceof a proximal end of the tubular body, the two locator projectionsconfigured to be selectively slidable along locator tracks of the vacuumassembly between a first end and a second end of the locator tracks,wherein, when the two locator projections are positioned at the secondend of the locator tracks, the tubular body is rotatable, about an axisof rotation located near a peripheral edge of the proximal end of thetubular body and extending between and passing through each of the twolocator projections such that the proximal end of the tubular bodypivots about the axis of rotation from a first position to a secondposition, wherein, when the tubular body is in the second position andan axial load is applied to the tubular body in a direction extendingfrom the proximal end toward a distal end of the tubular body, the twolocator projections are positioned at the second end of the locatorstracks such that a load vector associated with the axial load does notextend through the axis of rotation of the tubular body, such that theaxial load does not cause the tubular body to move from the secondposition to the first position.